What to do?

80schild

Five years ago I bought the house I am living in with my ex husband taking out a joint mortgage. A year later he moved out (at my request due to his increasing emotionally abusive behaviour).
For the last four years I have been living in the house and paying the mortgage although obviously the house is in both of our names. I can afford the mortgage and I like the house and the area. However more and more things are needing repairing on the house which I cannot afford as I have no spare money. Along with this I have built up debt on credit cards and an over draft.
I have not been able to get a divorce as the house situation has not been resolved.
I know the mortgage company would not put it in just my name and even if they would, I couldn't afford to buy him out (and would think why should I when he has paid nothing towards the mortgage or repairs).
I am just at a loss for what to do to move on with my life-sell the house and use the profit to pay off debts and invest into starting up my own business (which I am in the early stages of planning out) or try and get some agreement in place legally keeping him on the mortgage but with me living in the house.
If I did make a profit on the equity, would this affect my entitlement to benefits such as tax credits and housing benefit?
Thanks for any help

ACG

Why would he sign something to keep him on the mortgage whilst you live there and he sees no benefit? I realise you are paying the mortgage, but what is in it for him to remain on there?

Personally I would sell up and cut ties and move on with your life. As it stands a letter could land on your doorstep from a solicitor saying he wants to force the sale.

With regards to the benefits I fo not think equity affects your rights to benefits but I can not answer for sure.

Floxxie

You need to get a divorce and as part of this the house needs to be dealt with in the financials. Take a look over at www.wikivorce.com and post your concerns, along with your details (length of marriage, ages, assets, children etc) and you get a better understanding of what you can do.

Floxxie

You have mentioned emotionally abusive behaviour. Definitely get legal advice as if he is anything like my ex, he will make it as difficult as possible to do anything with the house - including selling it.